Commerce City, Colo.- The Colorado Rapids announced on Tuesday that the club has signed Israeli forward Sayed Abu Farkhi, from Maccabi Tel Aviv. The reported fee is $6 million for the 20 year-old, processed as a U-22 initiative signing. At the time of publishing, it is the second most expensive transfer fee in Rapids history.
The contract is a 4.5-season deal through 2029-2030. There is an option for 2030-31. He will be 25-years-old at the end of the 2030-31 MLS season.
Abu Farkhi’s transfer market value is two million according to Transfermarkt, which can be off. He has one national team appearance for Israel and has scored eight goals in 34 league appearances for Maccabi.
Before Tel Aviv, he appeared for F.C Kafr Qasim and Maccabi Bnei Reineh on loan. Abu Farkhi scored four goals for each club.
With the departure of Rafael Navarro, it’s a clear signing to impact the Rapids attacking front half. Improving the attack has been a clear goal this transfer window for the front office. The addition of Abu Farkhi is a start.
A Rafael Navarro Replacement?
Navarro leaving the club to St. Louis for a reported $12 million was unexpected. He’s been the most consistent goal scorer for Colorado. Abu Farkhi is an Israeli forward, who appears to be a potential replacement.
His production suggests a player capable of contributing goals, but his limited experience at the senior level makes the $6 million fee a significant investment for the Rapids front office.
It’s been one of the busiest transfer windows for Colorado and Club President Pádraig Smith. Lucas Herrington sold for $17 million, Loïc Williams brought in, Youssef Maziz brought in. Dante Sealy and Rafael Navarro sold as well. That leaves room for a U-22 player, a Designated Player, and other room. Abu Farkhi doesn’t seem to be the only incoming player for Colorado this window. Middlesborough winger Morgan Whittaker appears to be in the works.
Will Abu Farkhi feature out wide or up top for Colorado? With Navarro leaving, it suggests he’ll be a center forward. Sources tell BW that the contract extension talks with Navarro broke down about the time the Abu Farkhi rumblings started. There’s plenty of questions around his addition. Some fans seem to think the $6 million fee is an overpay for an unproven striker.Â
Colorado has found young players that end up to be gems. The front office surely sees something in Abu Farkhi that points toward his success.
There’s also the political question. Israeli players have received reactions from MLS fans empathetic to the plight of the Palestinians. Abu Farhki is of Arab descent. He was exempted from mandatory service as a result.
What This Means for the rest of the Window
It’s going to be a crucial <48 hours for the Rapids front office. It’s clear they want to reinvest the Herrington money directly back into the team, and the rest of the money from other outgoing transfers.
Smith has targeted improving the attacking front, as he feels the defense is in a solid spot heading into the last stretch of the season.
It’s critical the Rapids use this money well, and that Smith will hopefully position Colorado’s squad to be competitive in the years to follow.
Rapids math might finally be panning out, and Abu Farkhi is just the start. It’s looking like Abu Farkhi will be the only incoming transfer, so hopefully he will match the production needed.
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Matt Pollard 